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Headphone FAQ
- [QUOTE="kris9031998"]So, how are the Bose Quietcomfort 15's? Planning on getting one pair for home (sennheiser hd 650's) and one for when im out of the house, so i'm gonna need some good headphones with great N.C.[/QUOTE] Despite the flak they receive from audio enthusiasts, Bose is the leader in noise-cancelling headphones (they invented it). If you want an over-ear headphone where noise-cancelling is a priority over sound quality, then Bose is a good bet. That said, if you're simply looking to reduce external noise, you might try a closed-back headphone. They require no additional power-source, and will effectively muffle external noises without compromising sound quality. If this is for travel, such as airports, then appearance and portability may be a factor. If you're open to a closed-back headphone and my aforementioned travel assumption is correct, consider the Audio Technica ATH-M50, V-Moda M-80s, or possibly an IEM if you're not opposed to an in-ear versus over-ear. Happy gaming, Boz
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- Apr 30, 2012 11:59 am GMT
I once killed a man with my thumb.
[QUOTE="Bozanimal"][QUOTE="kris9031998"]So, how are the Bose Quietcomfort 15's? Planning on getting one pair for home (sennheiser hd 650's) and one for when im out of the house, so i'm gonna need some good headphones with great N.C.[/QUOTE] Despite the flak they receive from audio enthusiasts, Bose is the leader in noise-cancelling headphones (they invented it). If you want an over-ear headphone where noise-cancelling is a priority over sound quality, then Bose is a good bet. That said, if you're simply looking to reduce external noise, you might try a closed-back headphone. They require no additional power-source, and will effectively muffle external noises without compromising sound quality. If this is for travel, such as airports, then appearance and portability may be a factor. If you're open to a closed-back headphone and my aforementioned travel assumption is correct, consider the Audio Technica ATH-M50, V-Moda M-80s, or possibly an IEM if you're not opposed to an in-ear versus over-ear. Happy gaming, Boz[/QUOTE] Alright, thanks- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- May 1, 2012 6:42 pm GMT
I once killed a man with my thumb.
Alright, so i'm now looking for the best noise cancelling (not as important as sound quality), closed back, portable, no amp required to drive (well), closed back pair of headphones for ~$300- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- May 2, 2012 4:32 am GMT

im thinking of getting either Audio Technica ATH-PRO5MK2 or the Sony MDR-V55 but not sure which one to get. which has the better sound quality and is the most comfortable?
- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- [QUOTE="kris9031998"]Alright, so i'm now looking for the best noise cancelling (not as important as sound quality), closed back, portable, no amp required to drive (well), closed back pair of headphones for ~$300[/QUOTE] I do not use noise-cancelling headphones, personally, but the Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B is very well-regarded. The new Klipsch Mode M40's are supposed to be excellent, featuring a built-in amplifier; you might be able to find them for $300 street. In general, though, over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are not very portable. I would strongly suggest you consider the V-Moda M-80s. You can get them from Radio Shack, and I suggest this because their return policy is excellent, so you can evaluate them for 30 days without worry. They are very portable, durable, sound excellent without amplification, come in under your budget, do a decent job blocking out most noise (airport type noise, not construction zone noise), look great, come with a carrying case, and are just wonderful, in general. I might also suggest an IEM (in-ear monitor). Though it's not what you asked for, I find IEMs to be the best option for reducing external noise and convenience while traveling. [QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]
im thinking of getting either Audio Technica ATH-PRO5MK2 or the Sony MDR-V55 but not sure which one to get. which has the better sound quality and is the most comfortable?
[/QUOTE] I haven't used that particular model from Audio Technica, but I have auditioned the MDR-V55. I'm not sure what happened to Sony, but I've found their current headphone lineup to bass-heavy and muddy. If it's between the two, I'd blindly go with the Audio Technica. If you don't mind an open-back headphone, the Grado SR80i is probably the best value in the $80 price range. Happy gaming, Boz- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- May 12, 2012 11:29 am GMT

is the audio technica ath-50 coiled version has a detachable cord? their website ([url=http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/0edf909675b1be4d/]link[/url])mention it comes with 2 cords. i want to replace it with a straight 1.2m cord
- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- May 12, 2012 4:21 pm GMT
Steam id: Biko is L1nsani7y Rig: i5 2500k 4.1ghz + 9700cnps Nvidia ed. l GTX 570 Evga (960/1920/2400~max) l 2x4gb PNY Optima l Corsair HX520 l e7dac/e9amplifier > Ultrasone Dj1 l Alienware M11x r1
[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]
is the audio technica ath-50 coiled version has a detachable cord? their website ([url=http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/0edf909675b1be4d/]link[/url])mention it comes with 2 cords. i want to replace it with a straight 1.2m cord
[/QUOTE]
Where does it say it comes with two cords? I know they come with m50 coiled and m50s straight cable, also the typical mini plug + big plug adapter.
Unless they revised it than I dont think so and the reason why I got pro700mk2 before :\ I guess if you dont mind a hack job to fit a shorter cord that will work. I got a ultrasone hfi 780 before recently and they made the cords shorter so you can attach an extension cord for home use.
- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- May 12, 2012 8:50 pm GMT

[QUOTE="Bikouchu35"]
[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]
is the audio technica ath-50 coiled version has a detachable cord? their website ([url=http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/0edf909675b1be4d/]link[/url])mention it comes with 2 cords. i want to replace it with a straight 1.2m cord
[/QUOTE]
Where does it say it comes with two cords? I know they come with m50 coiled and m50s straight cable, also the typical mini plug + big plug adapter.
Unless they revised it than I dont think so and the reason why I got pro700mk2 before :\ I guess if you dont mind a hack job to fit a shorter cord that will work. I got a ultrasone hfi 780 before recently and they made the cords shorter so you can attach an extension cord for home use.
[/QUOTE] Cable 1.2 - 3.0 m (3.9' - 9.8') Coiled, OFC litz wire
mentions a 4 feet and a 10 feet cable i think.
- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- May 12, 2012 9:01 pm GMT
Steam id: Biko is L1nsani7y Rig: i5 2500k 4.1ghz + 9700cnps Nvidia ed. l GTX 570 Evga (960/1920/2400~max) l 2x4gb PNY Optima l Corsair HX520 l e7dac/e9amplifier > Ultrasone Dj1 l Alienware M11x r1
[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]
[QUOTE="Bikouchu35"]
[QUOTE="TheShadowLord07"]
is the audio technica ath-50 coiled version has a detachable cord? their website ([url=http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/0edf909675b1be4d/]link[/url])mention it comes with 2 cords. i want to replace it with a straight 1.2m cord
[/QUOTE]
Where does it say it comes with two cords? I know they come with m50 coiled and m50s straight cable, also the typical mini plug + big plug adapter.
Unless they revised it than I dont think so and the reason why I got pro700mk2 before :\ I guess if you dont mind a hack job to fit a shorter cord that will work. I got a ultrasone hfi 780 before recently and they made the cords shorter so you can attach an extension cord for home use.
[/QUOTE] Cable 1.2 - 3.0 m (3.9' - 9.8') Coiled, OFC litz wire
mentions a 4 feet and a 10 feet cable i think.
[/QUOTE]
I think they meant coiled up length & maximum length.
- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- If you want straight cable just be sure to get the Audio Technica ATH-M50s. The "s" at the end of the model number denotes the straight cable. Happy gaming, Boz
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- May 14, 2012 9:51 pm GMT
I don't know so much before the these forums. That really great forum for me and I think also for all readers........
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- May 16, 2012 11:14 am GMTEarphones is very important. It can harm you also if you don't use it correctly.
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- May 26, 2012 7:40 pm GMT
I currently own a pair of JVC HA-RX700 headphones, and I'm looking to upgrade to headphones in the $100-$150. I've heard great things about both the Audio Technica's ATH-M50 and the Grado SR 125i headphones, both can be found for similar prices. Does anyone have any recommendations over which one is better? I listen to everything from Slipknot, to Eminem, to Ella Fitzgerald, to Pink Floyd and I listen to both compact discs, wave files, and vinyl records. Which headphones will give me the best sound quality for $150? Other headphone recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance for the help.
- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- May 26, 2012 11:33 pm GMT
Steam id: Biko is L1nsani7y Rig: i5 2500k 4.1ghz + 9700cnps Nvidia ed. l GTX 570 Evga (960/1920/2400~max) l 2x4gb PNY Optima l Corsair HX520 l e7dac/e9amplifier > Ultrasone Dj1 l Alienware M11x r1
[QUOTE="DarkGamer007"]
I currently own a pair of JVC HA-RX700 headphones, and I'm looking to upgrade to headphones in the $100-$150.
[/QUOTE]
My friends has those rx700 since I paid him off for his ultrasone dj1 (hfi 580) so I recommend that for $120-150 range.
Good all arounder with some emphasis on bass.
From a head-fi review:ATH-M50 is no slouch either and I think it's a great value at a bit over $100 but my ears have been too "fouled" by 8 years of SR-80 listening to I am going to keep my HFI-580. I will be wearing these every day so I am hoping the pads will wear down and soften up over time (otherwise I will have to get new pads)
[lol, at the last comment]Now, if anyone is interested in a virtually brand new ATH-M50S, let me know ;)
[url=http://www.head-fi.org/t/531691/review-ath-m50-vs-hfi-580-vs-sr-80]sauce to headfi review[/url]
- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- [QUOTE="DarkGamer007"]
I currently own a pair of JVC HA-RX700 headphones, and I'm looking to upgrade to headphones in the $100-$150. I've heard great things about both the Audio Technica's ATH-M50 and the Grado SR 125i headphones, both can be found for similar prices. Does anyone have any recommendations over which one is better? I listen to everything from Slipknot, to Eminem, to Ella Fitzgerald, to Pink Floyd and I listen to both compact discs, wave files, and vinyl records. Which headphones will give me the best sound quality for $150? Other headphone recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance for the help.
[/QUOTE] I have used both headphones at length, and they are both very good. Some thoughts: The ATH-M50 will perform similar to your HA-RX700 (full-disclosure: my daily headphones). For the most part they will offer superior performance for Slipknot, Eminem, games, and movies if you like a little punch in your music. It will also offer superior noise isolation, both in and out. The Grado SR125i will offer superior performance for Ella Fitzgerald and Pink Floyd, with wide open, breathy vocals and an expansive soundstage. It may also offer better spacial reproduction, which can be good if you're playing a FPS with either CMSS-3D or Dolby Headphone. These are more comfortable than the ATH-M50's but, because they are on-ear, do not offer very good isolation. In this particular case I would personally I would go with the SR125i's. Normally I recommend the ATH-M50 over everything: They are pretty much the best value in headphones. However, you already own a pair of HA-RX700's, which are basically the poor-man's ATH-M50's. The SR125is offer a bigger change relative to the HA-RX700's, and are very comfortable. You will probably find yourself switching between the two depending on to what you want to listen, which is not a bad thing. To make an upgrade from the HA-RX700 worthwhile, I'd want to jump up to the Denon AH-D2000, which is a serious change in budget, as well. If possible, find a local hi-fi shop where you might audition a few. We've got a great one in Harvard Square near Boston (Audio Lab); not sure where you live. Good luck! Boz- Please wait. Quick reply will be available shortly.
- Heh: You needn't re-post your original comment. When you've had a moment to read the FAQ, come back with questions; it's my pleasure to assist. Happy gaming, Boz
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